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10 Best Affordable Air Conditioners 2025 in the United States

#1

Winner

10.0 score

Midea 12,000 BTU Smart Inverter Air Conditioner Window Unit with Heat and Dehumidifier – Cools up to 550 Sq. Ft., Energy Star Rated, Quiet Operation, Electronic Controls, Remote Control, White

Midea 12,000 BTU Smart Inverter Air Conditioner Window Unit with Heat and Dehumidifier – Cools up to 550 Sq. Ft., Energy Star Rated, Quiet Operation, Electronic Controls, Remote Control, White

Midea

10.0 score

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The Midea 12,000 BTU Smart Inverter Window Air Conditioner is a solid choice for cooling larger rooms up to about 550 square feet. Its 12,000 BTU cooling power is strong enough for most medium to large spaces, and the unit also offers heating and dehumidifying options, making it useful across different seasons — though the heat function won’t work well if it’s very cold outside (below 41°F). This model is Energy Star certified with a Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) of 13.3, meaning it uses electricity more efficiently than many standard air conditioners, which can help save on your energy bills. The inverter compressor technology adjusts the cooling speed to maintain temperature without wasting power, offering up to 35% energy savings compared to basic models.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,403
Noise Level
Cooling Capacity (BTU)
Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER)

Most important from
798 reviews

Noise Level
The unit operates exceptionally quietly, making it barely noticeable even when the compressor kicks on.
Cooling Capacity (BTU)
It delivers strong, immediate cooling performance while running at roughly half the energy consumption of comparable quiet inverter models.
Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER)
It delivers strong, immediate cooling performance while running at roughly half the energy consumption of comparable quiet inverter models.
Additional Features
Heating works well for mild winter temperatures but initially lacked a defrost cycle, limiting operation below 41°F; however, a firmware update improved low-temperature performance on some units.
#2
10.0 score

BLACK+DECKER Portable Air Conditioner, 12,000 BTU (8,000 BTU SACC) for Rooms up to 550 Sq. Ft., Portable AC with Follow Me Remote Control and Window Kit, BPACT12WT, White

7%OFF

BLACK+DECKER Portable Air Conditioner, 12,000 BTU (8,000 BTU SACC) for Rooms up to 550 Sq. Ft., Portable AC with Follow Me Remote Control and Window Kit, BPACT12WT, White

BLACK+DECKER

10.0 score

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The BLACK+DECKER Smart Portable Air Conditioner offers a solid cooling capacity of 12,000 BTU, making it suitable for rooms around 500 to 550 square feet, such as medium-sized bedrooms or small living spaces. This portable unit is easy to move between rooms without requiring permanent installation. It includes smart features like Wi-Fi connectivity, allowing control via a mobile app or voice assistants such as Alexa and Google Assistant, which is convenient for modern users. The included 'Follow Me' remote enhances comfort by using its sensor to maintain precise temperature control near you. Additionally, it functions as a fan and dehumidifier, providing versatility beyond just cooling.

Rating
10.0
Cooling Capacity (BTU)
Noise Level
Type of Air Conditioner

Most important from
43019 reviews

Cooling Capacity (BTU)
The unit cools medium-sized rooms rapidly and maintains a comfortable temperature without running continuously, which helps reduce energy consumption.
Noise Level
It operates significantly quieter than many previous portable ACs, allowing conversations nearby without needing to turn it off.
Type of Air Conditioner
Despite its strengths, installation limitations and security considerations might prompt some to prefer alternative cooling solutions like mini-split systems.
Additional Features
The hose connection is exceptionally secure and locks in place, preventing it from falling off and ensuring proper venting.
#3
9.9 score

Midea 12,000 BTU EasyCool Window Air Conditioner, Dehumidifier and Fan - Cool, Circulate and Dehumidify up to 550 Sq. Ft., Reusable Filter, Remote Control

Midea 12,000 BTU EasyCool Window Air Conditioner, Dehumidifier and Fan - Cool, Circulate and Dehumidify up to 550 Sq. Ft., Reusable Filter, Remote Control

Midea

9.9 score

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The Midea 12,000 BTU EasyCool Window Air Conditioner is a solid choice for cooling medium-sized rooms up to about 350 square feet comfortably. It offers a good balance of power and efficiency, with a SEER rating of 12, which means it won’t use excessive electricity compared to less efficient models. This unit stands out for its 3-in-1 functionality: besides cooling, it can circulate air with a 3-speed fan and also reduce humidity with a dehumidifier mode—useful if you live in a damp area. Noise-wise, it runs at around 55 decibels, which is quieter than many similar devices and about the noise level of a normal conversation, so it won’t disturb your daily activities much.

Rating
9.9
Cooling Capacity (BTU)
Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER)
Noise Level

Most important from
15920 reviews

Cooling Capacity (BTU)
Cools rooms very effectively, bringing temperatures down noticeably within an hour or two, even with additional heat sources like a gaming PC running.
Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER)
Energy-saving features like Eco mode and programmable timer help reduce electricity usage without compromising comfort.
Noise Level
Operates quietly enough to blend into background noise, avoiding the harsh buzzing common in many AC units.
Type of Air Conditioner
The unit’s 3-in-1 design adds value by providing cooling, air circulation, and dehumidifying functions in one device.
Additional Features
Remote control and simple settings make adjusting temperature and fan speeds convenient from across the room.

Top 10 Best Affordable Air Conditioners 2025 in the United States

Sponsored

Slide 1

Garvee

Garvee 6000 BTU Window Air Conditioner - High-Efficiency Cooling Small Window Air Conditioner with Remote Control and Washable Filter, Quiet Operation, Cooling Up to 269 Square Feet, 115V/60Hz

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#1

Winner

10.0  score
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Midea

Midea 12,000 BTU Smart Inverter Air Conditioner Window Unit with Heat and Dehumidifier – Cools up to 550 Sq. Ft., Energy Star Rated, Quiet Operation, Electronic Controls, Remote Control, White

Cooling Capacity (BTU): 12,000 BTU
Noise Level: 45 dB low, 58 dB high
Type of Air Conditioner: Window
Additional Features: Inverter, Remote, WiFi, Heating, Dehumidifier

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Chosen by 1403 this week

Sponsored

Slide 1

Garvee

Garvee 6000 BTU Window Air Conditioner - High-Efficiency Cooling Small Window Air Conditioner with Remote Control and Washable Filter, Quiet Operation, Cooling Up to 269 Square Feet, 115V/60Hz

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#2
10.0  score
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BLACK+DECKER

BLACK+DECKER Portable Air Conditioner, 12,000 BTU (8,000 BTU SACC) for Rooms up to 550 Sq. Ft., Portable AC with Follow Me Remote Control and Window Kit, BPACT12WT, White

Cooling Capacity (BTU): 12,000 BTU
Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER): 5.8
Noise Level: 52 dB
Type of Air Conditioner: Portable
Additional Features: Auto Water Evaporation, Follow Me Remote

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7% OFF
#3
9.9  score
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Midea

Midea 12,000 BTU EasyCool Window Air Conditioner, Dehumidifier and Fan - Cool, Circulate and Dehumidify up to 550 Sq. Ft., Reusable Filter, Remote Control

Cooling Capacity (BTU): 12000 British Thermal Units
Noise Level: 55 dB
Type of Air Conditioner: Window Air Conditioner
Additional Features: 3-in-1, Remote, Eco mode, Timer, Filter

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#4
9.8  score
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BLACK+DECKER

BLACK+DECKER Portable Air Conditioner, 10,000 BTU (6,300 BTU SACC) for Rooms up to 450 Sq. Ft., Portable AC with Follow Me Remote Control and Window Kit, BPACT10WT, White

Cooling Capacity (BTU): 10000
Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER): 6.7
Noise Level: 52 dB
Type of Air Conditioner: Portable
Additional Features: 3-in-1 AC, Remote, LED, Timer, Filter

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16% OFF
#5
9.7  score
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BLACK+DECKER

BLACK+DECKER Portable Air Conditioner, 9,000 BTU (5,300 BTU SACC) for Rooms up to 400 Sq. Ft., Portable AC with Follow Me Remote Control and Window Kit, BPACT08WT, White

Cooling Capacity (BTU): 8000
Noise Level: 54 dB
Type of Air Conditioner: Portable
Additional Features: remote_control, dehumidifier, fan, FOLLOW ME

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16% OFF
#6
9.6  score
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Hisense

Hisense WCT08W25A Window Air Conditioner, 8,000 BTU, White

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23% OFF
#7
9.4  score
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Frigidaire

Frigidaire 10,000 BTU Window Air Conditioner with Remote Control, Cools Up to 450 Sq. Ft., Quiet Operation, Eco Mode, 3 Fan Speeds, Auto Restart, White

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5% OFF
#8
9.2  score
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Midea

Midea MAW05R1BWT-A 5K Window Air Conditioner, Cools up to 150 Sq. Ft. with Easy-to-Use Reusable Filter, Remote, Perfect AC for Bedroom, Living Room, Home Office, 5,000 BTU, Electronic Control

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16% OFF
#9
9.0  score
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Midea

Midea 5,000 BTU EasyCool Small Window Air Conditioner - Cool up to 150 Sq. Ft. with Easy-to-Use Mechanical Controls and Reusable Filter, Perfect for Small Bedroom, Living Room, Home Office

Cooling Capacity (BTU): 5000 BTU
Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER): 11
Noise Level: 57 dB
Type of Air Conditioner: Window AC
Additional Features: Dust Filter, Fast Cooling

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#10
8.8  score
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GE

GE Window Air Conditioner Unit, 5,000 BTU for Small Rooms up to 150 sq ft. with Manual Adjustable Fan and Cooling Settings, Perfect for Small Bedroom or Living Room, Easy Install Kit Included, White

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10% OFF
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Buying Guide for the Best Affordable Air Conditioners

Choosing the right air conditioner can make a significant difference in your comfort and energy bills. When selecting an affordable air conditioner, it's important to consider several key specifications to ensure you get the best fit for your needs. Understanding these specs will help you make an informed decision and find an air conditioner that provides efficient cooling without breaking the bank.
Cooling Capacity (BTU)Cooling capacity, measured in British Thermal Units (BTU), indicates how much heat an air conditioner can remove from a room per hour. This spec is crucial because it determines the size of the room the unit can effectively cool. For small rooms (up to 150 square feet), a unit with 5,000-6,000 BTU is sufficient. Medium-sized rooms (150-300 square feet) require 7,000-8,000 BTU, while larger rooms (300-450 square feet) need 10,000-12,000 BTU. Choosing the right BTU for your room size ensures efficient cooling and energy use.
Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER)The Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER) measures the air conditioner's efficiency by comparing the cooling capacity (BTU) to the power input (watts). A higher EER indicates a more efficient unit, which can save you money on energy bills. Look for units with an EER of 10 or higher for better efficiency. If you plan to use the air conditioner frequently, investing in a higher EER unit can lead to significant long-term savings.
Noise LevelNoise level, measured in decibels (dB), indicates how loud the air conditioner will be during operation. This is important for maintaining a comfortable and quiet environment, especially in bedrooms or living areas. Air conditioners typically range from 50 to 70 dB. For a quieter experience, look for units with noise levels below 60 dB. Consider your tolerance for noise and the location of the unit when making your choice.
Type of Air ConditionerThere are different types of air conditioners, including window units, portable units, and split systems. Window units are installed in a window and are generally more affordable and efficient for single rooms. Portable units can be moved from room to room but may be less efficient and noisier. Split systems are more expensive but offer better efficiency and quieter operation, suitable for cooling multiple rooms. Choose the type that best fits your space and cooling needs.
Additional FeaturesModern air conditioners come with various additional features that can enhance convenience and comfort. These may include remote control, programmable timers, sleep mode, and smart connectivity. While these features can add to the cost, they can also provide greater control over your cooling experience. Consider which features are important to you and how they can improve your overall satisfaction with the unit.

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